In brief
The Kenya Ice Lions, established in 2016, are crafting a niche in a sport that many East Africans have never encountered. Located at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi, the team's training ground boasts the only ice rink in East and Central Africa—a remarkable feat for a country where temperatures rarely dip below 20°C. Captivated by the thrill of ice hockey, team captain Benjamin Mburu recalls the exhilarating yet slippery experience of his first time on ice, noting the challenges of playing a winter sport in a tropical environment.
Recently, the Lions celebrated a significant milestone as the fifth African team to gain admission to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This inclusion opens doors to international funding, training opportunities, and competitive events. However, the road ahead remains challenging; the Ice Lions must meet strict IIHF standards to further develop their skills and expertise.Since their inception, the team has faced numerous hurdles, none more significant than accessing ice time. The cost of using the Panari Hotel rink, nearly $100 for an hour, limits training to once a week—compounding the struggles of acquiring necessary equipment which is predominantly sourced from Europe and North America. Coach Tim Colby highlights the dedication of the Ice Lions, noting their resilience in an environment where ice hockey remains an unfamiliar concept.Amidst these struggles, increased exposure has led to promising opportunities. A transformative trip to Canada allowed players to meet NHL stars and resulted in sourcing funding and gear. Recently, the Ice Lions won an exhibition tournament in South Africa, a testament to their progress and aspirations.To inspire the next generation, the Ice Lions are actively engaging youth through coaching sessions every Saturday. Aspiring young player Liam Pashari reflects on the joy ice hockey brings, stating, "When you’re playing on the ice, you just forget about everything else." With an eye on future development, the Ice Lions aim to form a female team and nurture more talent as they strive to represent Kenya on an international stage, including the Winter Olympics. As winger Mike Carlos passionately states, "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," aiming to dispel doubts about Kenya's place in the ice hockey world.Kenya’s journey into the realm of ice hockey underscores the intersection of ambition, resilience, and cultural evolution—setting the stage for a new chapter in the nation's sporting history.
